Today’s JG rant
This really was weird. The only reason Lex tilted at this windmill was because I’d just read this. I’d also recently had a conversation with an Army armor Lt. I asked him if the Army still thought that a 70 ton multi-million dollar vehicle on the modern battlefield was still viable given the relative lethality and expense of unmanned aerial vehicles.
This really was weird. The only reason Lex tilted at this windmill was because I’d just read this. I’d also recently had a conversation with an Army armor Lt. I asked him if the Army still thought that a 70 ton multi-million dollar vehicle on the modern battlefield was still viable given the relative lethality and expense of unmanned aerial vehicles.
His answer was a qualified yes. That was encouraging because it demonstrated
that the Army was at least thinking about it. I suppose there will be battle tanks
for the foreseeable future. But my sense
is that the land behemoths’ days, like battleships of old, are numbered. Should
it be replaced by a lighter, faster, cheaper more survivable platform? Idunkno.
Russia and Israel have transitioned to lighter less expensive models.
Re Roger M. Bayford's letter, "Lawmakers ignore pleas of model plane hobbyists" of Oct 11, 2018
Weird that the JG would chose to run a letter on Oct 11th criticizing Senator Todd Young and Congressman Jim Banks for supporting the 2018 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization bill which made the FAA the governing body for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
It’s weird because on Oct 10th FBI Director Christopher
Wray warned congress that the United States is facing an ever increasing threat
from cheap, easily acquired, easy to operate, unregulated, unidentifiable UAS
from the likes of MS-13 and ISIS against large gatherings. Imagine a dozen or
so UAS hovering over Time Square on New Year’s Eve each with a 3-5 pound
explosive charge. The kinetic damage
done by the UAS would pale in comparison to the injuries caused by the ensuing
stampede.
UAS at present have been demonstrated to pose a significant danger
to general and commercial aviation. Terrorists
have already weaponized UAS overseas and drug smugglers are even now using UAS
for reconnaissance and keeping an eye on the Border Patrol. UAS have also been detected surveilling sensitive
sites such as nuclear facilities, not to mention the occasional creep who uses his
UAS to surveil your teenage daughter’s pool party and bedroom window.
UAS may be fun toys and make for great play dates but they
also have the potential for causing great harm. My sense is that, like all new
technology, as UAS use becomes more common, obtrusive and dangerous rules will need
be established to ensure public safety and privacy.
The letter also seemed a cheap shot at Sen. Young and Rep.
Banks. Young and Banks did the right
thing in joining the overwhelming bipartisan majorities in both houses (93
senate votes and 398 House votes)in passing the reauthorization bill.
Lawmakers ignore pleas
of model plane hobbyists
I am stunned Sen.
Todd Young and Rep. Jim Banks voted for the 2018 Federal Aviation
Administration reauthorization bill, especially as the Academy of Model
Aeronautics is based in their own state! The academy is the official
body for model aviation hobbyists in the USA. The academy and its 195,000
members have an impeccable safety record.
Their votes have made
the FAA the governing body for my small, radio-controlled planes. Now I am
to be subjected to costly, cumbersome and ridiculous new regulations. Here's
just a quick sample:
• The new resolution
prohibits flying above 400 feet, even in areas previously approved. This will
mean the loss of many international competitors/visitors to Indiana and other
locations across the USA.
• “The operator must
pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test ... and maintain proof
of test passage ...” I have been flying safely for more than 40
years. This test is not even designed yet.
• With no
justification, academy members can no longer fly over 400 feet in
class G. This will harm or kill our sailplane, turbine, aerobatic, free flight
and large-model aircraft communities and competitions. The 400-foot cap also
excludes U.S. hobbyists from participating in or hosting many world
aeromodeling events.
• There are testing mandates,
which raise many concerns. Federal and state regulations could hinder youth
from participating in the testing requirement, denying them enjoyment of
our hobby.
• The bill stifles
youth involvement in STEM education. All of the academy's language to
protect middle school and high school STEM aeromodeling was removed.
It is
apparent Young and Banks rubber-stamped a bill they never fully
understood. Nor did they take heed of the comments received via
email and phone calls from numerous model aviation enthusiasts.
Roger M. Bayford
Columbia City
No comments:
Post a Comment